Published by De Gruyter Oldenbourg

Volume 6 Issue 2

Issue of Analyse & Kritik

Contents
Journal Overview

Publicly Available May 12, 2016

Künstliche Intelligenz in den Sozialwissenschaften

Expertensysteme als Instrumente der EinsteUungsforschung

Michael Baurmann, Dieter Mans

Page range: 103-159

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Abstract

INTERDAT is computer software which substitutes a human interviewer. INTERDAT asks questions and tries to understand the responses by attributing mental models to the interviewee. The correctness of these models is tested by forecasting the responses to new questions. INTERDAT has many possibilities to adapt its models till it reaches the desired degree of understanding. Technologically INTERDAT is an Artificial Intelligence programme which is written entirely in LISP and to our knowledge the first Al application in sociological research.

Publicly Available May 12, 2016

Deskriptions- und Interpretationsprobleme beim psychologischen Erklären

Hans-Georg Bosshardt

Page range: 160-189

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Abstract

In this paper, the descriptive information contained in empirical laws is contrasted with common-sense descriptions of situations and behavior. According to the Hempel-Oppenheim-Schema, explanation is, essentially, conceived as a matter of deductive reasoning in which the fact to be explained is subsumed under one (or more) empirically valid generalizations or laws. However, this kind of explanation is necessarily based on intuitive processes of diagnosis and interpretation. It is argued that these intuitive processes enable the scientist to formulate descriptive sentences which form the arguments of logically correct explanations. It is assumed that people produce common-sense descriptions of situation and behavior in correspondence with their subjective experience of other people's behavior and its determinants. In order to obtain intuitively adequate empirical generalizations and behavioral laws it is proposed that common-sense descriptions of behavior and situations should be integrated into the antecedent and/or consequent of laws. In such a research strategy the regularities between meaningfully interpreted situational and behavioral aspects can be studied.

Publicly Available May 12, 2016

Ist die Unterscheidung von nomothetischen und idiographischen Wissenschaften noch zeitgemäß?

Eine Auseinandersetzung mit der Einheitswissenschaftsthese

Rainer Thumher

Page range: 190-211

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Abstract

This paper discusses C.G. Hempel's contention according to which universal laws fulfil the same 'theoretical function' in natural and historical science. To this end, the author differentiates between system ·building and genetically structured sciences. Their modes of presentation are respectively hierarchically ordered theory and narrative. These two basic ways of arranging our knowledge are led back to a difference in explanation, of a pragmatic, not logical nature, that is, to the difference between subsumtion and ascription. Whereas in the systematic organization of knowledge, the basic underlying theory sets the exact conditions, under which a fact can be described as explained, such an epistemological directive function of laws is not to be found in genetic organization.

Publicly Available May 12, 2016

Nachtrag zu LISREL

Dieter Holtmann

Page range: 212-215

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About this journal

ANALYSE & KRITIK

is devoted to the fundamental issues of empirical and normative social theory
is directed at social scientists and social philosophers who combine commitment to political and moral enlightenment with argumentative rigour and conceptual clarity
develops social theorizing in connection with analytical philosophy and philosophy of science
promotes the dialogue between Anglo-American and Continental traditions in the social sciences and ethics
publishes articles in English